Eats: Beard Papa's

A couple of years ago my friend Jane introduced me to Beard Papa's cream puffs in a Hong Kong MTR station, and it has been all love since then. After learning that these most delectable cream puffs hailed from Japan, Jane and I also tried some in Tokyo and after that I was even more in love with them! Well turns out Beard Papa's is growing like crazy and I'm not the only one who can't get enough...


Since the single Beard Papa's location in NYC closed last year (but recently relocated to the upper west side), it has been a while since my last experience, so I was delighted to find the friendly bearded man in Shanghai last month!

Beard Papa's sells just one product in various flavors, and if you haven't gathered by now, that product is the cream puff. But a Beard Papa's cream puff is no ordinary puff, it has a freshly baked crust and cool whipped custard cream inside for the perfect combination of warm/cool and crunchy/smooth. The standard vanilla filling is my favorite, however there is also chocolate, green tea, coffee, and strawberry, all with the extra option of a chocolate coating atop. Then a subtle powdered sugar tops it all off to add that perfect pastry flavor.




Beard Papa's is MUCH bigger in Asia, however they are growing internationally, now with over 25 locations in the USA, and a handful scattered over Canada and Europe. Check all international locations out here.

And if you see a Beard Papa's in your travels, be sure to check out the cream puff goodness.


-john-

Eats: Ling Kee Jerky (NYC)

Yeah, yeah, another Asian spot in Chinatown/ LES, I know. But what can I say, I spend a lot of time there and I'm always looking for good cheap eats. So if you're done whining, check out why Ling Kee reigns supreme amongst jerky enthusiasts in New York...


Ling Kee is tucked away in an awkward corner of Canal St. right off of Essex St. in downtown Manhattan. Another place where the awning doesn't stand out one bit from the rest of the block so pay attention if you're in the area.

Ling Kee serves up nicely cut slabs of delectable jerky in about 8 different flavors. The traditional beef jerky has a nice smokey taste and perfectly chewy texture, while the pork jerky is much more sweet and fatty, and comes apart like butter. Both are pretty fantastic depending on your taste buds, and the spicy versions of both are my personal favorites (the "spicy" isn't actually spicy at all, just a little more flavor so don't be scared). However I haven't had the pleasure of trying the chicken jerky or shrimp pork jerky, so those might be even better! Each flavor is about $4.50-6 for 1/4lb, which is a pretty sizable snack for two people.




Ling Kee Beef Jerky
42 Canal St.
New York, NY

Previously - Eats: Prosperity Dumpling (NYC)


-john-

Eats: Prosperity Dumpling (NYC)

Oh so you saw the first Eats post and thought everything on here was gunna be puppy dogs and lollipops!?? Nah son! We in these streets, we broke, and that's exactly why we hit up Prosperity Dumpling in NYC...



Walking down Eldridge St. it's pretty damn easy to pass right by Prosperity Dumpling; the outside blends in with the rest of the Chinatown neighborhood, the inside is about the size of a walk-in closet, and well it isn't exactly the most clean and inviting place. BUT if you've experienced Prosperity, you know that walking in there means $4 can get MORE than enough food for one person to get full off of.

The menu is pretty basic (maybe 20 choices) but everything is under $3 and tasty. Personal favorites being the staple 5 pork and chive dumplings ($1), and the sesame pancake ($.75 by itself or $1.75 with beef/pork inside). Add a drink on top of that and you come out to $3.75 for a scrumptious (although slightly greasy) meal that will no doubt leave you satisfied. However if you're more than one or two people, don't plan on eating inside, since there are only a few stools and some counter space to throw your soy sauce and Sriracha on.



Our pal Jamison introduced us to Prosperity one fateful night in 2009 and ever since then it's been a cheap and greasy love affair. So if you're in the Chinatown area (near LES) on a budget, waiting for a Chinatown bus, or just need some food on the go, I would definitely suggest this place.


Prosperity Dumpling
46 Eldridge St.
New York, NY



Previously - Eats: Hello Kitty Cafe (Seoul)


-john-

Eats: Hello Kitty Cafe (Seoul)

With so much love for food & restaurants, and always being on the search around the globe for amazing, affordable, and beautiful spots, it's only right that we share these journeys with you in a new segment called 'Eats'.

And for the inaugural Eats post, we're checking out the adorably awesome Hello Kitty Cafe in Seoul...


When you first walk past the Hello Kitty Cafe and catch a glimpse of its overtly pink facade set back from the main street, it's pretty clear that you must head inside and see what this is all about. And so like a moth to a light I was drawn in...


At first I really just wanted to take pictures but as I wandered inside and saw that nothing on the menu was much over a few bucks (₩5,000), I figured why not have a tasty treat. I happened to be craving something sweet, so I ordered a waffle covered in bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup (above), which ran me a mere $2 and change. Having been to some gimmicky places before I expected nothing at all from the food, but to my surprise it was pretty damn good! The waffle was warm and freshly ironed, and each topping and garnish was perfectly placed. And upon looking at a few other items that people got, it was all the same quality. The drinks looked and sounded pretty amazing as well.



As for the interior of the place, in true Hello Kitty fashion the decor is 100% all Hello Kitty everything. Honestly no detail was left without a bow and whiskers, from the couches and tables all the way to the bathroom. Almost impressive how they are able to brand every single thing in the place.

Good atmosphere, good cheap eats. Thumbs up to Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae, Seoul.



Hello Kitty Cafe
358-112 Seogyo
Hongdae Neighborhood, Seoul



-john-